Any Rod Builders Out There?

[BigD1030]

I build my own custom rods, and currently trying to turn it into a side buisness. Rodbuilding is like anything else you can spend as little or as much as you want. To start out I would purchase a thread tension device, which you can find fairly inexpensive. Infact I think cabelas makes one thats around thirty dollars, and flex coat makes one that is simialr in price. I have never used preformed handles, I lathe all of my own handles. Which you might look into further down the road, you can create beautiful pieces of art this way. Sky is the limit, all the different choices of burl cork, and I like to incorperate antler and different types of horn and bone into mine. Back to the subject, I would also check out www.anglersworkshop.com they also carry alot of differnt types of rod building supplies. After you have a thread tensioner and your blank you will need to buy some rod bond for your handle and epoxy for your thread wraps. I would suggest U-40 trondak products, I have tried several types and I like theirs the best. You should also look into getting some color perserver for your thread, or you can purchase pre treated thread. I would also think about trying some feather inlays on your rod, they can really distinguish it from others. Along with that you should consider some type of label or decal, that dispalys that you have built it and what size and wt it is. A website that you should check out is www.rodbuilding.org they have many forums and photographs that you could check out. If you would like any further information send me a pm, I would be glad to help you out.

[hoglaw]

Wow, thanks for all the info guys. I have a book on its way written by one of the big guys in that Rodbuilding.org forum. I've got some supplies on the way already...can't wait to get started.

[grizwilson]

This guy builds some good tools and worth the money, just a matter of how much you decide to do. I only have a turner to dry the finish, I like to free hand everything else, but I am not too fancy. You will be surprised how much better rods work with proper spline and extra guides.\

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/bar/1090333894.html

g